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Family Support Studies (MA, PDip)

MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Family Support Studies)

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Family Support Studies (MA, PDip) MA Family Support Studies Family Support Studies (MA, PDip) Family Support Studies (MA, PDip) Family Support Studies (MA, PDip) Family Support Studies (MA, PDip) Family Support Studies (MA, PDip)

Course Overview

The main focus of Family Support is on early intervention and prevention in order to promote and protect the health, well-being and rights of all children, young people and their families, paying particular attention to those who are vulnerable or at risk.

This programme aims to enhance the education and skills of professionals working in the field. The programme enables students to develop in-depth understanding of social problems, their causes and policy solutions. It provides a strong foundation in family support theory and its application across a range of practices, roles and disciplines in the human services, as well as practical social science research and evaluation skills required in the sector. 

FSS pic

Pictured: Students and lecturers from the MA in Family Support Studies visiting the European Parliament during a class field trip to Brussels, Belgium.

Established in 2003, this programme is the only one of its kind in Europe with an emphasis on applying a Family Support orientation across a wide range of practice and policy arenas.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here. 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

researcher
Dr Carmel Devaney
BA, MA. PhD
Senior Lecturer
UNESCO
Political Science & Sociology
University of Galway
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researcher
Prof John Canavan
BA, MA, PhD.
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researcher
Prof Patrick Dolan
M.Litt, Phd
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researcher
Dr Bernadine Brady
B.Sc., MA, PhD
Senior Lecturer
School of Political Science
& Sociology
University of Galway
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researcher
Dr Brian McGrath
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researcher
Prof Caroline Mc Gregor
B.S.S., CQSW, Ph.D., PGCHET
Director
Room 1001
Institute for Lifecourse and Society
UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre
School of Political Science and Sociology
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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment of candidates is on a continuous basis, varies from module to module and involves a combination of essays, project work, and written assignments. Central to students’ assessment is their ‘on site’ placement and associated practice and their Year Two research project (minor dissertation).

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

A third-level qualification or a recognised professional qualification in a field broadly related to Family Support service delivery. Participants must have a minimum of one year work experience in health or and social services areas. Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants with relevant professional experience who do not meet the formal qualifications requirement may be considered for entry into the PDip in the first instance.   

Duration

MA: Two years, part-time
PDip: One year, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Please view the offer rounds website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MA-FS (MA); PGD-FS (PDip)

Course Outline

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

This is a two-year part-time programme. Students attend college one to two days every second week over four semesters with the agreement of their employers. Established in 2003, this programme is unique in Europe with its emphasis on applying a family support approach across a wide range of social practice and policy areas.

YEAR ONE (45 CREDITS)

• Family Support Theory I
• Family Support Practice I
• Families and Children in Society and Policy I
• Working with Specific Populations
• Child Protection and Family Support
• Community Development and Families
• Family Support Practice Seminars
• Dissertation Workshops

YEAR TWO (45 CREDITS)

• Family Support Theory II
• Family Support Practice II
• Families and Children in Society and Policy II
• Law and Family Support
• Health Promotion and Families
• Social Science Research Dissertation

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (45 Credits)

RequiredSP576: Child Protection and Family Support


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP576: "Child Protection and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP577: Community Development and Families


Semester 2 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Appreciate critically the significance of ‘community’ within policy and the significance of communities within people’s everyday relations, interactions and supports;
  2. Critically assess models and frameworks designed to intervene at community level, in historical and contemporary context;
  3. Analyse the distinctive characteristics that have come to mark a ‘community development’ approach to welfare issues;
  4. Understand the key challenges in mobilising local community effort;
  5. Critically analyse the nature of ‘community’ with family support work and vice versa.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP577: "Community Development and Families" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP574: Families and Children in Society and Policy I


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Participants understand key theoretical frameworks and concepts for thinking about families, children and young people
  2. Participants can effectively analyse and reflect on key issues in family life for children, young people and parents
  3. Participants are aware of and able to analyse key policies relevant to children, youth and families
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP574: "Families and Children in Society and Policy I" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP6155: Research Methods for the Applied Social Science


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to give students a solid grounding in research methods. The topics covered include definitions of research, argument and logic, sources of information, tools for information searches, theory and practice of basic qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module will be conducted in a lecture format with recommended preparatory readings and practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify research questions and design appropriate research strategies for specific political and/or social issues.
  2. Assess the applicability of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to specific research questions.
  3. Arrange and construct the research process from posing a research question to analysing the collected data.
  4. Review and critically evaluate social science research methods and methodologies.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A.,
    Publisher: Oxford
  2. "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
    Publisher: Wiley
  3. "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
    Publisher: Sage
  4. "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP6155: "Research Methods for the Applied Social Science" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP6129: Applied Family Support Seminars


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores example of Family Support in Practice across a number of different areas. This includes individual work, group work, family work and parenting support.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will consider the transferable skills in Family Support across a number of different contexts
  2. Students will become familiar with the challenges associated with delivery Family Support in practice
  3. Students will reflect on the impact of family Support across a number of contexts
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP6129: "Applied Family Support Seminars" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP572: Family Support Theory I


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP572: "Family Support Theory I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP573: Family Support Practice I


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP573: "Family Support Practice I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP530: Working with Specific Populations


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP530: "Working with Specific Populations" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 2 (45 Credits)

RequiredSP6153: Research Support Workshop


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to support student gain independent research skills. Students have opportunities to participate in a range of workshops relevant to the development of their research paper. Workshop topics include academic writing, critical thinking, literature review, methods selection, working with primary sources, community-based research, and the development of a research paper, along with workshops focused on specific fields of research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify and access relevant academic resources
  2. Communicate clear rationales for each element of a research study design.
  3. Produce a competent review of literature and/or resources relevant to their research project
  4. Complete a project that is well presented, based on independent research, correctly referenced, and cogently argued.
  5. Demonstrate effective communication skills in the presentation and dissemination of the findings of their research
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A
    Publisher: Oxford
  2. "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
    Publisher: Wiley
  3. "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
    Publisher: Sage
  4. "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP6153: "Research Support Workshop" and is valid from 2024 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP6154: Family Support Dissertation


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15

The dissertation/final research project module shall enable the student to acquire the knowledge, comprehension, abilities and perspectives needed for conducting independent research. The module will allow the student to work under supervision while developing their writing, research, analytical skills and completing a research dissertation/final research project or research portfolio. The overall goal is for the student to display the knowledge and capability for independent work at postgraduate level.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify a critical research problem and translate this into a well-designed, applied and academic project of investigation and understanding.
  2. Acquire a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area and the wider theoretical, policy and practice literature within which the subject is framed.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to organise, collate, critically assess and interpret data.
  4. Demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate new knowledge in a social scientific manner.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP6154: "Family Support Dissertation" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP581: Families and Children in Society and Policy II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP581: "Families and Children in Society and Policy II" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP579: Family Support Theory II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP579: "Family Support Theory II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP580: Family Support Practice II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP580: "Family Support Practice II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP582: Law and Family Support


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP582: "Law and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredSP583: Health Promotion and Families


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP583: "Health Promotion and Families" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PDip/MA in Family Support Studies will have enhanced career prospects in a wide range of service areas, at practitioner and manager level, working in state and voluntary services on behalf of children and families. Areas where family support is applicable include social work, social care, community work, public health nursing, disability, education, justice, social welfare, early years, gerontology, and other related fields.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,355 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€2,250 p.a.2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€105 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€

 

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Find out More

Dr Carmel Devaney
Course Director, Child and Family Research Centre,
School of Political Science and Sociology,
University of Galway.
T: +353 91 495 733
E: carmel.devaney@universityofgalway.ie
universityofgalway.ie/soc/ (Click Postgraduate Programmes)


Quick Links 

 

Liam

Liam White |   Children Act Services Manager, Mayo

The whole learning experience was very rewarding and beneficial. Not only did it allow me to update my skill set and apply theory to practice in family support, but it also offered me an opportunity to expand my knowledge in this area of expertise. In addition, it enabled me to reflect on my work and learn from my colleagues, which I found very beneficial.

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